Northcliffe

Article from the February Newsletter

Jan 27, 2007

NOTES TO THE RESIDENTS

Mr. David Harris, the new Schertz Co-Assistant City Manager, and Councilman Jim Fowler spoke at our January 9th Community Meeting. Mr. Sam Willoughby, Director of Public Works was also in attendance.

Mr. Harris discussed realigning our zip code and a portion of northern Schertz that shares zip code 78132 with New Braunfels. That would give us all a Schertz address and zip code of 78154. The Post Office will be doing a survey of residents, and if the majority agrees, a fiscal study will be done. The process should take 6 to 9 months and will produce such benefits as less confusion for residents and businesses and improved homeowners?’ insurance rates from some companies. (Cibolo is listed with a higher rate). Mr. Harris said that he will look into more street lights in the Estates Section. A member addressed potential drainage problems resulting from all of the new homes. Mr. Willoughby stated that all approved plats are signed by an engineer and if a new development causes flooding, the Developer is liable. Mr. Harris asked that any homeowner who is having drainage problems as a result of a new development, please contact the City.

When asked why the drainage ditch behind the homes on Wedgewood off of Portage was not being mowed more often to facilitate drainage, Mr. Willoughby said that area is an ?“easement?” not a drainage culvert, and, as such, is the responsibility of the homeowners. He said that his personnel occasionally mow it to help out. It was noted by an audience member that the drainage in that ditch has increased significantly as a result of all the new building in the area and it has become a major drainage culvert that flows under a street bridge. No answer was given.

When asked about sidewalk and street repairs we were told that sidewalk repairs are ongoing, but there are so many bad sidewalks that it will take a long time to get them all repaired. Streets repairs are on the Bond schedule, but will not happen for some time. Street repairs are being prioritized, and it will be awhile until ours are fixed. However, if we find potholes we should notify the City and they will be repaired.

On the issue of increasing police patrols, Mr. Harris said that he will talk to Chief Starr to see if patrols in our area could be stepped up.

Mr. Harris addressed Code Enforcement concerns by saying that the City is aware that more personnel are needed and that the long term goal is to establish a customer service department to assist in responding to calls concerning violations.

Country Club Blvd. will not be extended to FM 1103 any time soon. Extending it depends on Developers coming in and completing it in sections as they complete their developments. There was a complaint that Morning Drive by the old Fire Station continually has mud flowing down from the current work on Country Club. Mr. Harris stated it is the responsibility of the Developer to make certain the street is kept clean, and he will check into the problem.

Councilman Fowler stated that our city is estimated to grow from 30,000 residents to over 100,000. A major challenge is to balance residential growth with commercial growth. New businesses bring new tax revenues which will help to pay for the added infrastructure that a growing residential population will require. He said that he and every other council member and employee is committed, and working very hard to meet the needs of all residents.

Mr. Fowler also applauded the high Northcliffe voter turnout in last year?’s election saying that it has resulted in our communities?’ voice being heard by elected officials.

He closed by saying that as the HOA representative for City Council, he encourages any resident who has concerns to contact him or any other councilman.

Debbie Bell



Often people think that the only goal of the Northcliffe Homeowners?’ Assn. is to site homeowners for violating the covenants and deed restrictions. Helping to keep the community a pleasant, safe place to live is our most important goal. We thought people might like to know some of the things we have done, currently do, and plan to do in the future.

1. We worked with the City for almost 2 years to get the fence put up along the deteriorating culvert behind the park on Cherry Tree because of the danger it posed to the children.

2. We write, publish and distribute 700 newsletters every month to all of our residents whether or not they elect to pay their HOA dues.

3. A member of our association volunteers her time to keep the vacant lot along Chelsea mowed, trimmed and clean of litter so that the entrance looks neat. Now other homeowners have chipped in to help with trimming and picking up the trash.

4. We pay to have part of the median on Country Club Blvd. mowed throughout the year.

5. We pay about $500/year to buy new flags and pay for repair of older ones. We also pay $124/year to New Braunfels Utilities to pay for the light shining on the flag 24/7. Scenic Hills HOA pays for the other half of the annual electric bill. An HOA member cares for it.

6. We maintain the message boards at both the Chelsea and Country Club entrances to keep residents informed on all current events.

7. We attend many City Council, Zoning & Planning and Traffic & Safety meetings to share residents?’ concerns and fight for change.

8. We have been pushing the City and TxDot for over 2 years to put a traffic light at Chelsea & FM 1103. It appears that will now happen when the widening of FM 1103 is completed.

9. We are working with a charitable group called ?“Friends of Northern Schertz Parks?” to raise money to fix up the park with walking paths, two ?½ court basketball areas, play equipment for older children, and other amenities.

10. We organize the Annual Community Garage Sale.

We are not a wealthy HOA because our dues are so small ($25/yr.), and they are voluntary, but we try to maximize what we are able to do with the money and concentrate our efforts toward making Northcliffe a nice place to live. Our many volunteers and members who are able to pay their dues are the ones who help us toward that goal. To date we have 70 paid members for 2007 out of over 700 homes in our community.

If you would like to help us in our quest, please mail in the dues form below with your $25 check made out to ?“NCHOA?”.


Northcliffe 2006 HOA Dues
Please Join Today



Name(s):

__________________________________________

Address:

__________________________ Cibolo, TX. 78108

Phone: __________________________________

E-mail: ____________________________________


Enclose $25.00 for Homeowners or $12.50 for Renters
Annual Membership is from January to December Checks only, payable to: NCHOA
P.O. Box 502, Cibolo, TX. 78108


INVITATION TO CITY HALL

Councilman Jim Fowler, the HOA Liaison for City Council, called and asked that I invite members of our community to attend a regular session of City Council some time. The public is always welcome, and he feels citizens would find the sessions interesting. Also, anyone wishing to be heard at the beginning of the session need only sign the roster when they come in. The Regular Session of City Council is the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 P.M. in Council Chambers on Schertz Parkway. Go to Schertz.com and click on City Council then Agenda to find the schedule.


WHAT?’S UP AROUND OUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

FREE LINE DANCE CLASSES

After a nice holiday break Sheri will resume the intermediate line dance classes at the Northcliffe Fire Hall on Thursday mornings from 9-11a.m. beginning Jan 25 through 2007. She also teaches basic beginners classes on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in Schertz at the Community Center on Schertz Pkwy. What better way to exercise than to dance and socialize. These classes are sponsored by the Methodist Health Care System and for 55 plus seniors. Please call Dorothy at (830) 606-0501 for further information.